Superman and the USMNT: A Unique Collaboration

U.S. Soccer is playing with a little truth, justice and the American way on the pitch, in collaboration with DC Comics, giving USMNT fans a counterbalance to any potential disappointment the World Cup might bring. First there’s “Justice League: Heroes of the Pitch,” a limited-edition comic book that teams up some of DC’s most well-known superheroes, including the famed trinity of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, with who else but members of the U.S. Men’s Soccer team (now available at Dick’s Sporting Goods and the U.S. Soccer Federation’s online shop for a retail price of $14.99 and digitally through the DC Universe app).

DC and U.S. Soccer are also collaborating with brands Peace Collective and Sprayground to release a collection of apparel and accessories that combine the world of superheroes with soccer, which includes hoodies, jackets, backpacks, hats and T-shirts with imagery ranging from classic Superman comic books to Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” film references that don’t entirely make sense in context.

Comic Book Plot and Characters

The 20-page comic is written by Dave Wielgosz and illustrated by Serg Acuña. The story is centered around an alien invasion of the USMNT’s match at the “Global Unity Soccer Games,” which appears to mirror this year’s World Cup, since wealthy Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian, were only able to afford tickets for what appears to be the nose-bleed section. Advertisement The invading aliens are led by the DC supervillain Mongul, who has assembled eleven captured beings and challenges all Earth-born soccer players and superheroes to a match for the fate of the planet.

So where are Ousmane Dembélé, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi when you need them? Well, Mongul points directly to the U.S. players and calls them “the greatest soccer players your planet has to offer.” So in this parallel universe, U.S. Soccer has clearly ascended to where the nation has long felt its team should be. Making cameos alongside the DC heroes and villains are USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino and several players, including Christian Pulisic, as well as the Fox broadcast team of Carli Lloyd, John Strong, Stu Holden, Rob Stone and Jenny Taft.

Superhero Rules and Fan Reactions

Any fans who are upset about Diego Luna’s exclusion from the U.S. World Cup roster can take solace in knowing he makes it onto the pitch at the Global Unity Games. However, before you say, “Well, isn’t this an easy win because Team Earth/U.S. has Superman?” Remember the rules set by Mongul: only Earth-born players. That means Kryptonian Superman and his cousin Supergirl can’t help out on the field, so Superman has to settle for being a co-manager alongside Pochettino, who may have one foot out the door for Milan in this universe, too.

Comic Highlights and Fan Engagement

Highlights from “Justice League: Heroes of the Pitch” include Folarin Balogun giving soccer tips to Green Lantern (John Stewart), The Flash realizing super-speed is nothing without control when he has a ball at his feet and Robin the Boy Wonder taking a turn at commentating. While we won’t reveal the final score (this is a superhero comic, so one can assume the outcome), this team-up had us wondering what a complete roster of more formidable DC villains would look like.

Here’s our DC supervillain starting XI: Darkseid: Despite his immense strength, his Omega Beams would work great at the goalie position. Joker: You wouldn’t want any Robins (Le Normand or Van Persie) on the pitch with this guy out there. Sinestro: Nothing says defense like a yellow power ring-generated construct on the field. Reverse-Flash: Every team needs speed on the wing. Catwoman: Someone has to get in Batman’s head. Why not the person who lives there rent-free? Ra’s Al Ghul: Lazarus pit immortality assures he could play in every World Cup for eternity, providing the ultimate in midfield continuity and team identity. Lex Luthor: Master tactician and has the funds to ensure his side has the best players, training facilities and anything else they need. But would his warsuit help or hinder him on the pitch? Bizarro: Superman might not be able to participate in these games because he isn’t Earth-born, but his imperfect clone, Bizarro, was created in a lab on Earth. Just make sure he kicks the ball in the right goal. Bane: If you want Batman off the pitch, this is the person who can make that happen. He is likely to be shown a red card and fail the post-match doping test, though. Poison Ivy: If you really want a home-field advantage, this is the best person to have on the team (assuming the playing surface is real grass). Luis Suárez: No explanation needed.

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